ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the Federal Ministry of Education has restored the regularisation notification for 137 daily wages/ contractual teachers working under the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE).
Federal Secretary of Education Mohiuddin Ahmad Wani informed the Senate Standing Committee on Education, Tuesday, that these teachers have been regularised with effect from November 18, 2024.
The Khurshid Shah-led committee in the last PDM-led government had ordered to regularise teachers working in the FDE on contract.
Chairperson of the Standing Committee Bushra Anjum Butt stated during the meeting that resolving this issue, which had been pending for over a year, through the committee’s recommendations, is a positive development. She appreciated the resolution of the teachers’ issue due to the committee’s intervention. She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education for resolving the issue of women teachers.
Education Secretary Wani informed the committee that the 137 teachers have submitted affidavits agreeing not to claim seniority for promotion.
The secretary further said teachers were regularised on November 18, and their affidavits will be submitted in court.
In response to a question by Senator Kamran Murtaza, he explained that the employees regularised through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) will be considered senior to these teachers.
The regularisation of these 137 teachers will also be subject to the final decision of the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Chairperson Bushra Anjum Butt remarked that employees often obtain stay orders from courts and then approach the committee. She emphasised that committee in future will not take up the issue already pending or subjudice in the court.
The meeting also discussed a bill regarding education on children’s health, presented by Senator Quratul Ain Marri.
Senator Marri stressed the importance of educating children about their bodies, puberty, and reproductive health, stating that such education aligns with Islamic principles and is necessary.
Education Secretary Wani noted that mental health has also been included as part of the educational framework.
Senator Kamran Murtaza pointed out the need to ensure that such education is not misused and suggested consulting the Council of Islamic Ideology for guidance.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024